COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus is considering adding a new function to its red-light cameras.
The program would function as a speed-enforcement camera as well, catching speeding drivers so they could be ticketed through the mail.
Currently, the fine is $95 if you are caught running a red light in the city of Columbus.
Columbus has 20 red-light cameras throughout the city.
Last year, the city generated nearly $900,000 in fines.
Now Coleman's economic advisory committee suggested adding more cameras to boost the budget.
The committee also believed adding speed detection to the cameras would generate $2.1 million a year.
The final suggestion the committee had was adding speed-detection devices specifically around school zones where the speed limit is reduced, producing $1.8 million a year.
There would be no up-front costs to the city for the cameras, a private contractor would install and maintain them for a cut of the revenue generated by the fines.
NBC 4’s Ana Jackson spoke to Columbus residents Monday night.
Some loved the idea of the increased safety the cameras would bring to both the Downtown streets and in the school zones.
Others have the opinion the cameras violate rights to privacy. That issue is being debated in the courts now.
The president of council said it would be up to the Public Safety Department to decide if and when it will implement the committee’s suggestions.
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